BISINFECT HOT TUBS TO PREVENT BACTERIA

The Missouri Department of Health says Missourians should clean, disinfect and chlorinate their hot tubs to prevent water-borne bacteria.

The warning comes after three cases of legionellosis ("Legionnaires' Disease") in September were traced to Legionella bacteria in a jacuzzi (hot tub) in a St. Charles County country club.

"Missourians who own or are responsible for maintaining hot tubs need to remember that keeping them properly sanitized is essential to preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria," said Dr. Coleen Kivlahan, state health director.

Kivlahan said Missourians should follow these actions:

-- Follow the manufacturer's directions regarding proper operation and maintenance of the tub.

-- Use an effective chemical disinfectant such as chlorine or bromine.

-- If there is a heavy load of bathers or if cloudiness is observed, "shock" the system by bringing the chlorine or bromine level up to 10 ppm or greater and holding it there for 1 to 4 hours.

This should be done when the hot tub is not in use. Daily shock treatment is recommended for public spas and hot tubs.

Kivlahan said the early symptoms of legionellosis are muscle aches, headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, and dry cough followed by high fever, chills and occasionally diarrhea.

Antibiotics are effective in treating the disease, however, Legionnaires' disease can lead to pneumonia, which may cause death, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

She said Legionella bacteria are widely distributed in our environment. In addition to being found in hot tubs, they have been found in creeks and ponds, hot and cold water taps, hot water tanks, water in cooling towers and evaporative condensers, and soil at excavation sites.

Legionellosis appears to be spread through the air from a soil or water source.